Luxembourg, 25/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - At the final press conference at the end of the GAC, Anna Lindh stressed that the Council had focused on the "dramatic situation in Macedonia" (see above), as well as broaching the situation in the Middle East in the light of the report made by Solana over lunch, in which the EU reaffirmed its support proposed by the Mitchell and Tenet reports. Over lunch, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson briefed them on preparations for the world conference against racism (Durban, from 31 August to 7 September) and Commissioner Chris Patten placed emphasis on the EU's commitment to the success of the Conference. Before a group of journalists, Ms. Robinson said that she hoped the conference would lead to "formal declarations condemning the errors of the past". Citing slavery.
The Council also made an assessment of the EU's policy towards China, in the perspective of the Summit in Brussels on 5 September. In its conclusions, it declared itself determined to the continuity of the EU's policy and recognizes measures taken in China to open up society and the remarkable progress made in reducing poverty, but insists on human rights and the rule of law. The Council also stressed that China had to pursue its efforts for resolving problems such as: - the social and regional disparities; - the very high level of unemployment; - environmental protection; - the creation of a social security system. The Council approved the Commissions recommendation in its communication of 5 May and decided to propose China a new structure for political dialogue with annual summits and more frequent meetings between the European Troika and China at different levels.